SUMMARY

In this episode, Michelle Kinder sits down with Dr. John Gasko for a raw and powerful conversation about what it really takes to show up well in education. John doesn’t sugarcoat the reality — he talks honestly about the toll the work can take and why educator well-being isn’t just important, it’s essential. Together, they explore what happens when schools embrace healing, reflection, and connection — not just for students, but for the adults leading them.

After the interview, Michelle and Chris Kent Phelps unpack the conversation and reflect on the big takeaways — from the idea of “holding tension with a still point inside you” to what it means to lead with humanity in systems that often forget the human. This episode is about purpose, pain, and what it means to stay open and grounded in a profession that asks for everything.

TAKEAWAYS

• There is no such thing as getting to "great" when the adults in the system are weighed down by emotional and psychological suffering
• If you want to work in education, you have to be willing to step into the darkness — because that’s where the real work is
• Educators must anticipate adversity — and learn how to carry it with strength and steadiness
• We’ve shaped a generation of writers who need to be reflective, but we’ve trained them to operate inside a box
• Educators play a vital role as healers within their school communities
• Real hope begins with a clear-eyed understanding of the challenges we face

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Importance of Acknowledging Reality in Education
04:07 Introducing Dr. John Gasco: A Journey of Well-Being
09:57 The Impact of Educator Well-Being on Student Success
16:05 Creating a New Paradigm in Teacher Education
22:04 Transforming School Culture and Educator Support
29:54 Innovative Approaches to Well-Being in Education
40:07 Personal Steps Towards Prioritizing Well-Being
44:03 Building Relationships and Community in Education
45:32 The Triangle of Purpose: Healing, Joy, and Community
48:44 Facing the Meta Crisis: Hope and Challenges for Educators
52:38 Rethinking Education: Skills for a Changing World
56:21 Creating Conditions for Hope and Growth
01:00:14 The Power of Personal Development in Education
01:01:56 Anticipating Adversity: Becoming a Counterforce
01:07:14 The Importance of Self-Care and Reflection
01:11:01 The Healing Power of Educators
01:18:36 Finding Purpose and Hope in Education

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Oxygen for Educators is produced by Ripplemaker Project and proudly sponsored by Tacky Box.

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